Instant Hot/Cold Seat

Abstract

A heating and cooling mechanism is used in a seat assembly wherein the seat assembly includes a cellular foam pad encased by a trim cover. The mechanism includes a thermoelectric generator seated between the foam pad and the trim cover for generating heat in response to a first polarity of electrical power and generating cooling in response to a second polarity of electrical power opposite the first polarity of electrical power. A heat sink is coupled to the thermoelectric generator for dissipating heat generated by the thermoelectric generator and a fan coupled the heat sink for generating air flow to cool the mechanism. A skin layer of thermally conductive material is coupled to thermoelectric generator and seated between the foam pad and trim cover for providing uniform thermally conductive energy to the upper surface of the foam pad and trim cover.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to and all the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 074,798 filed on Nov. 4, 2014.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a seat assembly in an automotive vehicle having a heating and cooling mechanism. More particularly, the invention relates to a thermoelectric mechanism for rapidly heating and cooling the surface of the seat assembly for seat occupant comfort.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]Automotive vehicles include one or more seat assemblies having a seat cushion and a seat back for supporting a passenger or occupant above a vehicle floor. The seat assembly is commonly mounted to the vehicle floor by a riser assembly. The seat back is typically operatively coupled to the seat cushion by a recliner assembly for providing selective pivotal adjustment of the seat back relative to the seat cushion.[0006]It is commonly known to ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a heating and cooling mechanism for a seat assembly that uses a cellular foam pad and a trim cover. The mechanism includes a thermoelectric generator that generates heat in response to one type of electrical power and generates cooling in response to another type of electrical power. A heat sink is used to dissipate the heat generated by the generator, and a fan is used to generate air flow to cool the mechanism. The technical effect of this invention is an improvement in the comfort and convenience of the seat assembly by providing a mechanism for controlling the temperature.

Problems solved by technology

However, current heating and cooling mechanisms require a fair amount of time and power to generate sufficient heat or cool air to affect the temperature of the seat assembly, and thus, the desired comfort for the seat occupant.

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